Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
06:28
E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Selection for postgraduate training for general practice: the role of knowledge tests
Y D van Leeuwen1, S S Mol, M C Pollemans
1Department of General Practice, University of Limberg, The Netherlands.
Summary
Knowledge tests are not effective for selecting general practice trainees. However, early poor performance on tests can identify at-risk trainees needing support.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- General Practice Training
- Health Professions Education
Background:
- Postgraduate general practice training is a legal requirement in the European Community, encompassing hospital and general practice posts.
- The effectiveness and impact of specific training components remain largely unevaluated.
- Factors influencing trainee performance at the end of training are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of knowledge tests for selecting candidates for postgraduate general practice training.
- To determine if knowledge test scores can predict end-of-training performance.
Main Methods:
- Three knowledge tests were administered to 85 Dutch trainees during their two-year postgraduate training.
- Data from 57 trainees were analyzed using multiple and logistic regression.
- Predictive values of test scores at entrance and after eight months were evaluated against end-of-training scores.
Main Results:
- Knowledge tests administered at the entrance did not show sufficient predictive value for selection.
- A 'below minimum' score on the second test (at eight months) perfectly predicted a 'below minimum' score on the final test.
- The positive predictive value for an 'above minimum' score on the second test was 86%.
Conclusions:
- The knowledge tests utilized are unsuitable for the entry selection of general practice trainees.
- Trainees scoring 'below minimum' on the eight-month test are identified as 'at risk' for failing to meet the minimum standard at training completion.
Related Concept Videos
01:22The Professional Nurse
Professional nurses are not limited to bedside care and are taking roles of greater responsibility. A nurse should have a knowledge-based practice, including personal, theoretical, procedural, cultural, and reflexive knowledge. Additionally, nurses must be competent in cognitive, technical, interpersonal, and ethical/legal skills. Some of the best attributes of successful nurses include the following:
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
01:25Critical Thinking II
Critical thinking is a cognitive process with several attributes. The attributes of critical thinking include the following:
01:16Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are prospective experimental studies conducted on humans to determine the safety and efficacy of treatments, drugs, diet methods, and medical devices. Using statistics in clinical trials enables researchers to derive reasonable and accurate conclusions from the collected data, allowing them to make wise decisions in uncertain situations. In medical research, statistical methods are crucial for preventing errors and bias.
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...
01:11Clinical Trials: Overview
Clinical development focuses on how the drug will interact with the human body and encompasses four key phases of clinical trials, each serving a specific purpose in assessing the safety and effectiveness of new drugs. These phases overlap and build upon one another. Phase I involves a small group of healthy volunteers (typically 20-80 individuals) or, in cases where significant toxicity is expected, patients with the targeted disease, such as cancer or AIDS. The volunteers are tested for...
01:28Preclinical Development: Overview
Preclinical development consists of a series of tests that ensure the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic compound before it is tested in humans. There are four main phases to this process. First, safety pharmacology tests are conducted to ensure the drug does not produce any acutely harmful effects. These tests examine parameters such as bronchoconstriction, cardiac dysrhythmias, blood pressure changes, and ataxia. Next, preliminary toxicological testing is performed to determine the...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...